As you know, one of the readings from worship this past week was from Psalm 34. So, I thought it would be nice to do a little reflecting on the passage.
1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Let's take a look at the historical setting for this Psalm:
David has become a threat in the eyes of Saul. Saul knows that the LORD has rejected him as king, and it is clear to him that David is the LORD's chosen one. Saul sets out to kill David, which means that David needs to get out of town.
So, David flees to Philistia, seeking anonymity. In Gath, he is found and captured. Unfortunately, for David, Achish is familiar with David and his great feats. So, fearing for his life, David pretends to be insane. He actually drools all over himself and scratches up doors to make it realistic. It is feigning insanity that convinces Achish that this could not be the great David, so he lets him go.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
David is -- genuinely -- humbled at this point. His world has been flipped on its head. All the plans he might have made for his life have been put on hold. He went from the head of Israel's armies to a man on the run, to playing insane, to living in a cave in a very short time.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
What a powerful and unusual statement in the middle of exile and isolation. David still sees the LORD as his deliverer, despite his current predicament. No matter what temporary troubles he may face, He takes refuge in the LORD's faithfulness.
Imagine a man, living in a cave, singing a song like this! Singing of radiance!
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
I'm guessing many of us probably feel trapped in a cave right now. We are isolated from our friends, our family, the people that we love. We've been humbled in a sense, like David.
And just like David, it makes sense to cry out to the LORD, to ask for His mercy.
But now, as always, is also the time for worship.
God has delivered us before and He'll deliver us again. My encouragement to you is to sing. In the midst of your praying, of your requests, of your crying out, bless the LORD. Boast in the LORD. Glorify His name.
Like, literally, sing some worship songs or some hymns.
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